Use of 2α-methly-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to increase bone strength

ABSTRACT

This invention provides pharmaceutical uses for 2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 . This compound is characterized by high bone calcium mobilization activity demonstrating preferential activity on bone. This results in a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desired, particularly osteoporosis. This compound also exhibits pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis. This compound also increases both breaking strength and crushing strength of bones evidencing use in conjunction with bone replacement surgery such as hip and knee replacements.

This is the divisional of Ser. No. 10/045,941, filed Oct. 19, 2001 nowabandoned, which is a divisional of Ser. No. 09/616,778, filed Jul. 14,2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,844, which is a continuation-in-part ofSer. No. 09/135,463, filed Aug. 17, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,559,which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/819,694, filed Mar. 17,1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,410.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to vitamin D compounds, and more particularly topharmaceutical uses for 2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitaminD₃.

The natural hormone, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and its analog inergocalciferol series, i.e. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ are known to behighly potent regulators of calcium homeostasis in animals and humans,and more recently their activity in cellular differentiation has beenestablished, Ostrem et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84, 2610 (1987).Many structural analogs of these metabolites have been prepared andtested, including 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂, variousside chain homologated vitamins and fluorinated analogs. Some of thesecompounds exhibit an interesting separation of activities in celldifferentiation and calcium regulation. This difference in activity maybe useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases as renalosteodystrophy, vitamin D-resistant rickets, osteoporosis, psoriasis,and certain malignancies.

Recently, a new class of vitamin D analogs has been discovered, i.e. theso called 19-nor-vitamin D compounds, which are characterized by thereplacement of the A-ring exocyclic methylene group (carbon 19), typicalof the vitamin D system, by two hydrogen atoms. Biological testing ofsuch 19-nor-analogs (e.g., 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D₃) revealed aselective activity profile with high potency in inducing cellulardifferentiation, and very low calcium mobilizing activity. Thus, thesecompounds are potentially useful as therapeutic agents for the treatmentof malignancies, or the treatment of various skin disorders. Twodifferent methods of synthesis of such 19-nor-vitamin D analogs havebeen described (Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Left. 31, 1823 (1990);Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1991), and DeLuca et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191).

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,634, 2β-hydroxy and alkoxy (e.g., ED-71) analogsof 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ have been described and examined by Chugaigroup as potential drugs for osteoporosis and as antitumor agents. Seealso Okano et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 163, 1444 (1989).Other 2-substituted (with hydroxyalkyl, e.g., ED-120, and fluoroalkylgroups) A-ring analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ have also beenprepared and tested (Miyamoto et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 41, 1111(1993); Nishii et al., Osteoporosis Int. Suppl. 1, 190 (1993); Posner etal., J. Org. Chem. 59, 7855 (1994), and J. Org. Chem. 60, 4617 (1995)).

Recently, 2-substituted analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D₃have also been synthesized, i.e. compounds substituted at 2-positionwith hydroxy or alkoxy groups (DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,713),which exhibit interesting and selective activity profiles. All thesestudies indicate that binding sites in vitamin D receptors canaccommodate different substituents at C-2 in the synthesized vitamin Danalogs.

In a continuing effort to explore the 19-nor class of pharmacologicallyimportant vitamin D compounds, an analog which is characterized by thepresence of a methyl substituent at the carbon 2 (C-2) has beensynthesized and tested. Of particular interest is the analog which ischaracterized by the unnatural configuration of the methyl group atcarbon 20 (C-20), i.e. 2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.This vitamin D analog seemed an interesting target because therelatively small methyl group at C-2 should not interfere with thevitamin D receptor. Moreover, molecular mechanics studies performed onthe model 1α-hydroxy-2-methyl-19-nor-vitamins indicate that suchmolecular modification does not change substantially the conformation ofthe cyclohexanediol ring A. However, introduction of the 2-methyl groupinto 19-nor-vitamin D carbon skeleton changes the character of its 1α-and 3β-A-ring hydroxyls. Both hydroxyls are allylic to the exocyclicmethylene group similar to the 1α-hydroxyl group (crucial for biologicalactivity) in the molecule of the natural hormone, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, its biologicalactivity, and various pharmaceutical uses for this compound.

Structurally this 19-nor analog is characterized by the general formulaI shown below:

The solid wedge-shaped line to the methyl substituent at C-20 indicatesthat carbon 20 has the S configuration.

The above compound exhibits a desired, and highly advantageous, patternof biological activity. This compound is characterized by intestinalcalcium transport activity equal to that of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃,but exhibiting relatively high activity, as compared to1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, in its ability to mobilize calcium from bone.Hence, this compound is highly specific in its calcemic activity. Itspreferential activity on mobilizing calcium from bone allows the in vivoadministration of this compound for the treatment of metabolic bonediseases where bone loss is a major concern. Because of its preferentialactivity on bone, this compound would be a preferred therapeutic agentfor the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desired, such asosteoporosis, especially low bone turnover osteoporosis, steroid inducedosteoporosis, senile osteoporosis or postmenopausal osteoporosis, aswell as osteomalacia and renal osteodystrophy. The treatment may betransdermal, oral or parenteral. The compound may be present in acomposition in an amount from about 0.1 μg/gm to about 50 μg/gm of thecomposition, and may be administered in dosages of from about 0.1 μg/dayto about 10 μg/day.

The compound of the invention is also especially suited for treatmentand prophylaxis of human disorders which are characterized by animbalance in the immune system, e.g. in autoimmune diseases, includingmultiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, host versus graft reaction, andrejection of transplants; and additionally for the treatment ofinflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, as wellas the improvement of bone fracture healing and improved bone grafts.Acne, alopecia, skin conditions such as dry skin (lack of dermalhydration), undue skin slackness (insufficient skin firmness),insufficient sebum secretion and wrinkles, and hypertension are otherconditions which may be treated with the compound of the invention.

The above compound is also characterized by high cell differentiationactivity. Thus, this compound also provides a therapeutic agent for thetreatment of psoriasis, or as an anti-cancer agent, especially againstleukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. The compoundmay be present in a composition to treat psoriasis in an amount fromabout 0.01 μg/gm to about 50 μg/gm of the composition, and may beadministered topically, transdermally, orally or parenterally in dosagesof from about 0.01 μg/day to about 10 μg/day.

It has also been discovered that this compound increases breakingstrength (cortical strength) as well as crushing strength (trabecularstrength) of bones. Thus, this compound could also be used inconjunction with bone replacement procedures such as hip replacements,knee replacements, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the relative activity of2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃,2α-methyl-19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃to compete for binding of [³H]-1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ to the vitamin D pigintestinal nuclear receptor;

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the bone mineral density inovariectomized old female rats as a result of treatment with2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ as compared to1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃; and

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the percent HL-60 cell differentiation asa function of the concentration of2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃,2α-methyl-19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitaminD₃.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃(referred to herein as2AMD) was synthesized and tested. Structurally, this 19-nor analog ischaracterized by the general formula I previously illustrated herein.

The preparation of 2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃having the basic structure I can be accomplished by a common generalmethod, i.e. the condensation of a bicyclic Windaus-Grundmann typeketone II with the allylic phosphine oxide III to the corresponding2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D analog IV followed by selective reductionof the exomethylene group at C-2 and deprotection at C-1 and C-3 in thelatter compound:

In the structures II, III, and IV groups Y₁ and Y₂ arehydroxy-protecting groups, it being also understood that anyfunctionalities that might be sensitive, or that interfere with thecondensation reaction, be suitably protected as is well-known in theart. The process shown above represents an application of the convergentsynthesis concept, which has been applied effectively for thepreparation of vitamin D compounds [e.g. Lythgoe et al., J. Chem. Soc.Perkin Trans. I, 590 (1978); Lythgoe, Chem. Soc. Rev. 9, 449 (1983); Tohet al., J. Org. Chem. 48, 1414 (1983); Baggiolini et al., J. Org. Chem.51, 3098 (1986); Sardina et al., J. Org. Chem. 51, 1264 (1986); J. Org.Chem. 51, 1269 (1986); DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191; DeLuca etal., U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,713].

Hydrindanones of the general structure II are known, or can be preparedby known methods.

For the preparation of the required phosphine oxides of generalstructure III, a new synthetic route has been developed starting from amethyl quinicate derivative which is easily obtained from commercial(1R,3R,4S,5R)-(−)-quinic acid as described by Perlman et al.,Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1991) and DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,086,191.

The overall process of the synthesis of compound I is illustrated anddescribed more completely in U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,410 issued Aug. 31,1999 and entitled “2-Alkyl-19-Nor-Vitamin D Compounds” the specificationof which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Biological Activity of 2α-methyl-20(S)-19-nor-1,25-(OH)₂D₃

The introduction of a methyl group in the 2α-position of the 20(S)isomer of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ had little or no effect on binding to theporcine intestinal vitamin D receptor. This compound bound equally wellto the porcine receptor as compared to the standard 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ (FIG.1). It might be expected from these results that this compound wouldhave equivalent biological activity. Surprisingly, however, the2α-methyl and 20(S) substitutions produced a highly selective analogwith its primary action on bone.

FIG. 2 shows that 2AMD is extraordinarily effective in building bonemass in ovariectomized rats as compared to the native hormone withoutincreasing serum calcium concentration. This is as yet an unprecedentednew finding for a vitamin D compound.

FIG. 3 illustrates that 2AMD is 50-100 times more potent than1,25(OH)₂D₃ on HL-60 differentiation, making it an excellent candidatefor the treatment of psoriasis and cancer, especially against leukemia,colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Table 1 illustrates that 2AMD is very effective in restoring bone ofovariectomized, old female rats at 32 pmol given 2 times per week ascompared to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ given at high doses 3 times per week. Note: 2AMDalso increases % ash in the femur.

Table 2 shows that 2AMD increases breaking strength in the femurs(cortical strength) and crushing strength in the vertebra (trabecularstrength) of animals shown in Table 1.

Table 3 shows that 2AMD has selective activity on bone.

Competitive binding of the analogs to the porcine intestinal receptorwas carried out by the method described by Dame et al (Biochemistry 25,4523-4534, 1986).

The differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic into monocytes was determinedas described by Ostrem et al (J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14164-14171, 1987).

Interpretation of Data

2AMD is about as active as 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in binding to the vitamin Dreceptor (FIG. 1). However, it is between 10-100 times more active than1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in causing differentiation of the promyelocyte, HL-60, intothe monocyte (FIG. 3). This result suggests that 2AMD will be veryeffective in psoriasis because it has direct cellular activity incausing differentiation and in suppressing growth. It also indicatesthat it will have significant activity as an anti-cancer agent,especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostatecancer, or as an agent in the treatment of psoriasis.

The most important result, however, is that 2AMD is extremely effectivenot only in restoring bone mass of ovariectomized, old female breederrats as shown in FIG. 2 and Tables 1 and 2, but it causes an increase inbone mass above that of sham-operated controls. This illustrates that2AMD is very likely having an anabolic effect on bone or increasing boneformation. Importantly, the increased bone mass provided by 2AMDtranslates into marked increases in bone strength. This increasedstrength to fracture in femur shows cortical strength while increasedstrength to crush fractures of vertebra illustrates trabecular bonestrength (Table 2). Interestingly, even the percent ash is unexpectedlyincreased further by 2AMD. Of great importance is that at the dosagelevels used in this study, there was no change in serum calcium ofanimals that showed the marked elevation of bone mass. This argues thata window of safety exists between the use of 2AMD to increase bonemineral content and the action of 2AMD in elevating serum calcium.

When given for 7 days in a chronic mode, the most potent individualcompound tested was 2α-methyl 19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ (Table 3). Whengiven at 130 pmol/day, the activity of this compound on bone calciummobilization (serum calcium) was much higher than that of the nativehormone, possible as high as 10 or 100 times higher. Under identicalconditions, twice the dose of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ gave a serum calcium value of6.6±0.4 mg/100 ml, while 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ gave a valueof 8.3±0.7 mg/100 ml of serum calcium at the 130 pmol dose. When givenat 260 pmol/day, 2α-methyl-19-nor-20S-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ produced theastounding value of 10.3±0.11 mg/100 ml of serum calcium at the expenseof bone. To show its selectivity, this compound also produced asignificant change in intestinal calcium transport at both the 260 pmoland the 130 pmol dose levels while having a strong bone calciummobilizing activity. At the higher dose, the 2α-methyl-20(S) compounddid produce a significant intestinal transport response but also gave anenormous bone mobilization response. With respect to the2β-methyl-19-nor-20(S) compound, the data in Table 3 show it has little,if any, intestinal calcium transport activity, and little, if any, bonemobilization activity. Thus, the 2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-derivativeshowed strong preferential bone calcium mobilizing activity. Theseresults illustrate that the 20(S)-2α-methyl derivative of19-nor-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ is selective for mobilization of calcium from bone.

These results illustrate that 2AMD is an excellent candidate for ananti-osteoporosis therapy and that it may be useful in a number of othercircumstances such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and psoriasis.

TABLE 1 Treatment of Ovariectomized Rats with 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ and 2AMDTreat- ment BMC/Body Time BMD BMC Body Wt. Wt. Serum CA Femur Ash FemurAsh Group Treatment (Weeks) (g/cm²) (g) (g) (mg/g) (mg/dl) (%) (mg) OVXOil Vehicle/5×/Week 8 0.294 ± 0.004 8.64 ± 3.30 414 ± 15   21.4 ± 1.20 —— — Control 17 0.296 ± 0.003 9.34 ± 0.50 422 ± 19   22.3 ± 1.69 — — — 300.296 ± 0.003 9.41 ± 0.45 404 ± 24   23.4 ± 1.60 11.1 ± 0.17  59.2 ±0.82 386 ± 21.6 Sham Oil Vehicle/5×/Week 8 0.302 ± 0.003 9.34 ± 0.38 356± 14   26.3 ± 0.76 Operated 17 0.300 ± 0.002 9.14 ± 0.54 351 ± 15   26.4± 0.82 30 0.297 ± 0.004 9.20 ± 0.53 340 ± 13   26.7 ± 1.20 11.8 ± 0.20 81.5 ± 1.20 400 ± 18.0 1,25(OH)₂D₃ 250 pmol/d/5×/Week 8 0.297 ± 0.0018.90 ± 0.40 399 ± 9.3  22.4 ± 0.48 17 0.308 ± 0.008  9.6 ± 0.39 394 ±11   24.5 ± 0.87 30 0.310 ± 0.007 10.1 ± 0.30 392 ± 16   26.1 ± 0.9711.4 ± 0.21 60.8 ± 1.1 417 ± 23   1,25(OH)₂D₃ 500 pmol/d/5×/Week 8 0.312± 0.005 10.2 ± 0.40 397 ± 14.2 26.3 ± 0.57       3×/Week 17 0.331 ±0.008 11.5 ± 0.25 421 ± 12.8 27.6 ± 0.68       3×/Week 30 0.328 ± 0.00311.8 ± 0.23 432 ± 23.0 28.0 ± 0.69 11.9 ± 0.20 61.4 ± 1.3 478 ± 7.5 2AMD 32 pmol/d/2×/Week 8 0.297 ± 0.002 11.2 ± 0.55 371 ± 13.5 31.0 ±2.50 17 0.308 ± 0.001  9.7 ± 0.24 401 ± 9.6   24.2 ± 1.04 30 0.320 ±0.003 11.2 ± 0.55 371 ± 13.5 31.0 ± 2.50 10.4 ± 0.53 61.7 ± 1.2 447 ±23.3 2AMD 65 pmol/d/1×/Week 8 0.298 ± 0.002  9.1 ± 0.31 384 ± 9.7  23.9± 0.37 17 0.308 ± 0.004  9.5 ± 0.57 396 ± 12.8 24.3 ± 0.53 30 0.308 ±0.003  9.7 ± 0.28 387 ± 13.7 25.1 ± 1.00 10.8 ± 0.22 60.0 ± 1.4 403 ±12.  All animals were ovariectomized except the sham-operated controls.Values are expressed as mean ± SEM.

TABLE 2 Strength of Femurs and Vertebrae to Mechanical Stress StressValue Stress Value Group Treatment Femur Vertebra OVX Control OilVehicle/5×/Week 109.31 ± 19.60 14.26 ± 3.58 Sham-Operated OilVehicle/5×/Week 121.36 ± 12.5  13.67 ± 1.79 1,25(OH)₂D₃ 250pmol/day/5×/Week 118.21 ± 19.85 19.24 ± 5.66 1,25(OH)₂D₃ 500pmol/d/3-5×/Week 116.47 ± 16.20 17.14 ± 0.52 2AMD  32 pmol/d/2×/Week132.19 ± 19.69 20.22 ± 8.53 2AMD  65 pmol/d/1×/Week 114.08 ± 21.71 17.13± 4.67

TABLE 3 Response of Intestinal Calcium Transport and Serum Calcium (BoneCalcium Mobilization) Activity to Chronic Doses of the 20(S) Isomers of2-Methyl Derivatives of 19-Nor-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ Intestinal Calcium Dose(pmol/ Transport Serum Calcium Group day/7 days) (S/M) (mg/100 ml)Vitamin D Deficient Vehicle 2.9 ± 0.2 4.2 ± 0.1 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ Treated 2604.6 ± 0.2 6.6 ± 0.4 2α-Methyl-19-Nor- 130 12.9 ± 1.9  8.3 ± 0.720(S)-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ 260 8.4 ± 1.1 10.3 ± 0.11 2β-Methyl-19-nor- 130 2.9 ±0.3 4.4 ± 0.1 20(S)-1,25-(OH)₂D₃ 260 3.8 ± 0.1 4.4 ± 0.1

With respect to the data in Table 3, male weanling rats were obtainedfrom Sprague Dawley Co. (Indianapolis, Ind.) and fed a 0.47% calcium,0.3% phosphorus vitamin D-deficient diet for 1 week and then given thesame diet containing 0.02% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus for 2 weeks. Duringthe last week they were given the indicated dose of compound byintraperitoneal injection in 0.1 ml 95% propylene glycol and 56/oethanol each day for 7 days. The control animals received only the 0.1ml of 95% propylene glycol, 5% ethanol. Twenty-four hours after the lastdose, the rats were sacrificed and intestinal calcium transport wasdetermined everted sac technique as previously described and serumcalcium determined by atomic absorption spectrometry on a model 3110Perkin Elmer instrument (Norwalk, Conn.). There were 5 rats per groupand the values represent mean±SEM.

For treatment purposes, the compound of this invention defined byformula I may be formulated for pharmaceutical applications as asolution in innocuous solvents, or as an emulsion, suspension ordispersion in suitable solvents or carriers, or as pills, tablets orcapsules, together with solid carriers, according to conventionalmethods known in the art. Any such formulations may also contain otherpharmaceutically-acceptable and non-toxic excipients such asstabilizers, anti-oxidants, binders, coloring agents or emulsifying ortaste-modifying agents.

The compound may be administered orally, topically, parenterally ortransdermally. The compound is advantageously administered by injectionor by intravenous infusion or suitable sterile solutions, or in the formof liquid or solid doses via the alimentary canal, or in the form ofcreams, ointments, patches, or similar vehicles suitable for transdermalapplications. Doses of from 0.1 μg to 10 μg per day of the compounds areappropriate for treatment purposes, such doses being adjusted accordingto the disease to be treated, its severity and the response of thesubject as is well understood in the art. Since the compound exhibitsspecificity of action, each may be suitably administered alone, ortogether with graded doses of another active vitamin D compound—e.g.1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂ or D₃, or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃—in situationswhere different degrees of bone mineral mobilization and calciumtransport stimulation is found to be advantageous.

Compositions for use in the above-mentioned treatment of psoriasis andother malignancies comprise an effective amount of the2α-methyl-20(S)-19-nor-vitamin D compound as defined by the aboveformula I as the active ingredient, and a suitable carrier. An effectiveamount of such compound for use in accordance with this invention isfrom about 0.01 μg to about 50 μg per gm of composition, and may beadministered topically, transdermally, orally or parenterally in dosagesof from about 0.1 μg/day to about 10 μg/day.

The compound may be formulated as creams, lotions, ointments, topicalpatches, pills, capsules or tablets, or in liquid form as solutions,emulsions, dispersions, or suspensions in pharmaceutically innocuous andacceptable solvent or oils, and such preparations may contain inaddition other pharmaceutically innocuous or beneficial components, suchas stabilizers, antioxidants, emulsifiers, coloring agents, binders ortaste-modifying agents.

The compound is advantageously administered in amounts sufficient toeffect the differentiation of promyelocytes to normal macrophages.Dosages as described above are suitable, it being understood that theamounts given are to be adjusted in accordance with the severity of thedisease, and the condition and response of the subject as is wellunderstood in the art.

The formulations of the present invention comprise an active ingredientin association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore andoptionally other therapeutic ingredients. The carrier must be“acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredientsof the formulations and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administrationmay be in the form of discrete units as capsules, sachets, tablets orlozenges, each containing a predetermined amount of the activeingredient; in the form of a powder or granules; in the form of asolution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or non-aqueous liquid; orin the form of an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion.

Formulations for rectal administration may be in the form of asuppository incorporating the active ingredient and carrier such ascocoa butter, or in the form of an enema.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration convenientlycomprise a sterile oily or aqueous preparation of the active ingredientwhich is preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient.

Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid orsemi-liquid preparations such as liniments, lotions, applicants,oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions such as creams, ointments orpastes; or solutions or suspensions such as drops; or as sprays.

For asthma treatment, inhalation of powder, self-propelling or sprayformulations, dispensed with a spray can, a nebulizer or an atomizer canbe used. The formulations, when dispensed, preferably have a particlesize in the range of 10 to 100μ.

The formulations may conveniently be presented in dosage unit form andmay be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.By the term “dosage unit” is meant a unitary, i.e. a single dose whichis capable of being administered to a patient as a physically andchemically stable unit dose comprising either the active ingredient assuch or a mixture of it with solid or liquid pharmaceutical diluents orcarriers.

1. A method of treating leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer orprostate cancer comprising administering to a patient with said diseasean effective amount of 2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃having the formula:


2. The method of claim 1 wherein2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administered orally.3. The method of claim 1 wherein2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administeredparenterally.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administeredtransdermally.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein2α-methyl-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ is administered in adosage of from about 0.01 μg/day to about 10 μg/day.